Title: Aquicorn CoveAuthor: Kay O'Neill
First Published: October 17, 2018
Publisher: Oni Press
Pages: 97
Genre: Fantasy, LGBTQ, Middle Grade
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library
Rating:
Synopsis:
When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a big storm, Lana remembers how much she's missed the ocean -- and the strong, reassuring presence of her aunt. As Lana explores the familiar beach, she discovers something incredible: a colony of Aquicorns, small magical seahorse-like creatures that live in the coral reef. Lana rescues an injured Aquicorn and cares for it with the help of her aunt, who may know more about these strange creatures than she's willing to admit. But when a second storm threatens to reach the town, choices made many years ago about how to coexist with the sea start to rise to the surface. Lana realizes she will need to find the strength to stand on her own, even when it means standing up to the people who she has always relied on to protect her.
Buy the Book: AmazonReview
This graphic novel is perfect. Aquicorn Cove is a beautiful story about a girl grieving the loss of her mother. She returns to the small fishing village where her family has lived for generations and finds a curious looking creature injured in a shallow pool.
This short and sweet little story made my heart melt and I absolutely loved the summer vibes. The characters are all so wonderful and I loved the mystery of the aquicorns. The story highlights the importance of respecting nature, how the sea provides for us, and how we must care for the sea and all of its creatures in turn. It reminded me a bit of Ponyo but was so much better in delivering the core message about loving nature.
The end of the graphic novel included a short section about coral reefs and how we all can help conserve these precious ecosystems, for ourselves and for our children after. It’s also worth noting how good the art is. Kay O’Neill is so talented and their art is so lovely, I can’t get enough. This graphic novel is a treasure that I was happy to read with my children.
Quote
“But there’s no home without a future.”
Content Warnings
View Spoiler »About the Author
About Kay O’Neill
Kay O’Neill is an illustrator and graphic novelist from New Zealand. They are the author of Princess Princess Ever After, The Tea Dragon Society, Aquicorn Cove, and more. They mostly make gentle fantasy stories for younger readers, and are very interested in tea, creatures, things that grow, and the magic of everyday life.
On an Instagram post 17th December 2020 the author shared that they use they/them pronouns and prefers to be called Kay.
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